The situation surrounding the kidnapping highlights the precarious state of security in Haiti, as efforts for Heraty's rescue intensify.
**Irish Missionary Kidnapped in Haiti: Family Expresses Heartbreak and Concern**
**Irish Missionary Kidnapped in Haiti: Family Expresses Heartbreak and Concern**
The family of Gena Heraty, an Irish missionary, shares their devastation following her abduction from a Port-au-Prince orphanage amidst rising gang violence.
In a heart-wrenching situation, the family of Gena Heraty, an Irish missionary, has expressed their "absolute devastation" following her kidnapping from a privately-run orphanage in Haiti. Gena, who serves as the director of the Sainte-Hélène orphanage in Kenscoff, was taken along with seven employees and a child early Sunday morning, leaving her family and the community deeply worried.
The Haitian mayor of Kenscoff, Massillon Jean, confirmed the attack, stating that the kidnappers executed a well-coordinated break-in without firing any shots. They had broken through a wall before proceeding to the part of the facility where Gena was residing. It is suspected that gang members were behind this brutal act, with violent crime and kidnappings becoming alarmingly common in and around Port-au-Prince.
Heraty's family released a statement describing the evolving situation as "deeply worrying," while urging respect for ongoing negotiations aimed at securing the safe release of the hostages. They are collaborating with Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs (NPFS), the organization operating the orphanage, alongside the Irish government and its international partners.
Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris has initiated talks with his Haitian counterpart to ensure Heraty and the other hostages are released swiftly. He emphasized the need for all possible actions to be taken for their safety.
Gang-related violence has escalated in Haiti, with armed groups reportedly controlling approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince. Recent data from the UN underscores the severity of the situation, revealing that nearly 350 individuals were kidnapped in the first half of 2025 alone.
Tommy Marren, a local presenter who knows Gena well, described her as passionate and resilient, highlighting her commitment to serving vulnerable children. As their community holds prayer vigils, hopes are pinned on effective negotiations to bring Gena and her colleagues back home safely, in a situation that serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by rampant gang violence in Haiti. Meanwhile, journalist Harold Isaac provided insights on the escalating crisis, noting that the area around the orphanage has seen heightened gang activity recently, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
The Haitian mayor of Kenscoff, Massillon Jean, confirmed the attack, stating that the kidnappers executed a well-coordinated break-in without firing any shots. They had broken through a wall before proceeding to the part of the facility where Gena was residing. It is suspected that gang members were behind this brutal act, with violent crime and kidnappings becoming alarmingly common in and around Port-au-Prince.
Heraty's family released a statement describing the evolving situation as "deeply worrying," while urging respect for ongoing negotiations aimed at securing the safe release of the hostages. They are collaborating with Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs (NPFS), the organization operating the orphanage, alongside the Irish government and its international partners.
Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris has initiated talks with his Haitian counterpart to ensure Heraty and the other hostages are released swiftly. He emphasized the need for all possible actions to be taken for their safety.
Gang-related violence has escalated in Haiti, with armed groups reportedly controlling approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince. Recent data from the UN underscores the severity of the situation, revealing that nearly 350 individuals were kidnapped in the first half of 2025 alone.
Tommy Marren, a local presenter who knows Gena well, described her as passionate and resilient, highlighting her commitment to serving vulnerable children. As their community holds prayer vigils, hopes are pinned on effective negotiations to bring Gena and her colleagues back home safely, in a situation that serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by rampant gang violence in Haiti. Meanwhile, journalist Harold Isaac provided insights on the escalating crisis, noting that the area around the orphanage has seen heightened gang activity recently, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
